Jackie Collins dies, aged 77

Author Jackie Collins. Photo / Getty Images

Jackie Collins has died aged 77 after a long battle with breast cancer.

The English novelist was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer more than six years ago but kept her illness almost entirely to herself.

A spokesman for her family told People magazine: 'It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of a kind mother, Jackie Collins, who died of breast cancer today.

Family Statement:

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of a... http://t.co/QBqpjonzBO

— Jackie Collins (@jackiejcollins) September 20, 2015

"She lived a wonderfully full life and was adored by her family, friends and the millions of readers who she has been entertaining for over 4 decades.

"She was a true inspiration, a trail blazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words."

The best-selling author, who is the sister of actress Joan Collins, 82, had spoken to her three daughters Tracy, 54, Tiffany, 48, and Rory, 46, about her illness.

She gave an interview from her home in Beverly Hills five days ago, saying she had no regrets.

Collins said she had lived life like Frank Sinatra, and "done it my way".

I'm so very sad to hear about @jackiejcollins She was the definition of a class act. Everyone who met her was Lucky.

— graham norton (@grahnort) September 20, 2015

She was one of the loveliest people imaginable. A true star who treated everyone equally. RIP, dear friend. http://t.co/q44mjPDP72

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 20, 2015

Shocked & devastated at the death of @JackiejCollins. Loved & respected her. Thoughts & prayers go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/1RfmNEsm5G

— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) September 20, 2015

In the interview with People, she said: "Looking back, I'm not sorry about anything I did.

"I did it my way, as Frank Sinatra would say. I've written five books since the diagnosis, I've lived my life, I've traveled all over the world, I have not turned down book tours and no one has ever known until now when I feel as though I should come out with it."

The novelist, who spent most of her later life in America, wrote 32 books - all of which made it onto the New York Times Bestsellers' List.